The incoming 114th U.S. Congress will feature its largest class of Latinos ever, and an increase of Republican Latinos in the House of Representatives, thanks in part to Florida voters giving the win to Miami-Dade School Board member Carlos Curbelo against Democratic incumbent Rep. Joe Garcia for the Sunshine State's 26th Congressional District.

Running as a Republican, Curbelo had a tough campaign against Garcia. The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund called the Curbelo and Garcia election "one of the most competitive congressional races in the nation."

As Latin Post reported, polling data from different organizations had each candidate leading. One poll conducted by Saint Leo University Polling Institute had Curbelo ahead of Garcia. Saint Leo University political science professor Frank Orlando said, however, Garcia still had the time to "make a move" but likely had to court independent voters to win.

According to Florida's secretary of state office, Curbelo defeated Garcia with 51.5 percent to 48.5 percent. Of the 160,748 votes counted in the 26th District, only 4.822 votes made the difference for Curbelo to win.

"I want to thank all the residents of Florida's 26th district for entrusting me with the honor and responsibility of being your voice in Congress," Curbelo stated. "Over the next two years, I pledge to work tirelessly and honestly to reform our government and advance policies that empower families and individuals across this district."

With the victory, Curbelo has to resign from the Miami-Dade School Board.

Latin Post contacted the Garcia campaign but a response has yet to be returned.

Garcia did issue a prepared statement, stating, "While tonight was not the result we were hoping for, I am proud of the race we have run and so grateful for the countless South Floridians who have supported my campaign and my service these past two years. I have called Carlos Curbelo and expressed my hope that he will serve, as I have, by putting the people of South Florida over party politics."

"My life has always been shaped by a deep commitment to service and problem solving, and I look forward to finding new ways and new avenues to continue practicing these values in pursuit of doing good for our community, our state and our country," added Garcia.

According to Florida Democratic Party Chair Allison Tant, Garcia conducted a "strong, hard-fought" campaign that Democrats and South Floridians should be proud.

"He stood strong for the values he's fought for every day in Congress -- growing Florida's economy from the middle class out, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and working to expand the American Dream to those all who seek it. I am proud of the work Joe accomplished in Congress and of the campaign he and his team ran," said Tant.

Florida's 26th district population is home to 59 percent of Latinos and nearly half were born outside of the U.S.

It was also a good night for Republican Gov. Rick Scott. The incumbent narrowly won reelection for a second term against Democratic challenger Charlie Crist, former Florida governor. Scott won with 48.16 percent to 47.05 percent for Crist with 5.94 million votes cast.

__

For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.